Propositional Load (PL)

Constraint on admissible propositional complexity within Interpretive Dynamics

1. Canonical Definition

Propositional Load (PL) is the structural limit on the number and complexity of admissible propositions a meaning system can sustain in active interpretive competition before determinacy degrades. PL bounds candidate multiplicity within Interpretive Dynamics by defining when interpretive variability becomes structurally unsustainable, independent of Drift or Affective Regulation.

2. Phase and Preconditions

Operates: event-internal (pre-binding)

Requires:

• an active interpretive event

• candidate variability and competition

• declared reference conditions treated as in force

Does not require:
binding, action governance, Event Closure State resolution, crystallization, legitimacy, drift, or post-binding execution.

3. Scope and Exclusions

Propositional Load is not:

• a meaning-system variable (T, P, C, A, or Drift)

• a constraint or constraint hierarchy

• a governance or binding act

• an evaluative measure, psychological state, or cognitive limit

• a temporal condition such as crystallization or drift

• a jurisdictional rule or authority condition

PL governs admissible propositional complexity, not meaning content or authority.

4. Structural Role

Propositional Load constrains the operational space of Interpretive Dynamics by defining the maximum viable range of candidate meanings that may remain simultaneously active. When PL is exceeded, interpretive determinacy weakens, constraint dominance may be forced, and binding may occur prematurely despite intact reference fidelity, signal alignment, and coherence. PL therefore regulates when interpretive multiplicity becomes unsustainable.

5. Authority and Legitimacy Status

Authority relation: none
Legitimacy relation: not applicable

Propositional Load does not authorize action, affect meaning-regime classification, or alter legitimacy conditions. Authority and legitimacy are determined solely at binding.

6. Relation to Constraint Dominance and Transition Forces

Constraint Dominance determines when continued deferral becomes non-viable.
Propositional Load determines when determinacy weakens due to excessive proposition multiplicity, even before dominance conditions are met.

• Transition Drivers (β₆) compress variability and accelerate threshold crossing;

• Transition Stabilizers (γ₆) preserve variability and slow collapse;

• PL defines the capacity boundary within which β₆ and γ₆ operate. Exceeding PL reduces the effectiveness of γ₆ and increases the force of β₆.

7. Common Category Errors

• treating PL as a cognitive or emotional overload

• interpreting PL as a drift mechanism

• conflating PL with constraint dominance itself

• assuming PL affects which candidate binds

• applying PL to post-binding or post-crystallization states

• reducing PL to the meaning-system variables (T, P, C, A, D)

8. Canonical Cross-References

Interpretation • Interpretive Dynamics • Constraint Dominance • Transition Drivers (β₆) • Transition Stabilizers (γ₆) • Binding • Determinacy Conditions • Drift • Action Determinacy Loss (ADL)

9. Plain Statement

Propositional Load is the limit on how many competing interpretations a system can hold at once before it can no longer decide.